The World Health Organization has officially declared the coronavirus a pandemic and now Poland, India, Lebanon and Kuwait have become the latest countries to entirely or partially close cinemas in response.
Polish officials confirmed today that all schools, universities, cinemas, theaters and museums are to close for two weeks from Thursday to curtail the virus’ spread.
In Lebanon and Kuwait, cinemas are now closed while other Middle East countries (including Saudi Arabia) are considering the same measure with a number of wider restrictions coming into place. In India, certain states are taking preventative measures including the closure of cinemas.
Cinemas are already closed in markets including Italy, Czech Republic, Iran and China. There are also partial closures in Korea, Japan and Hong Kong and some in northern France. Distribution executives are reportedly bracing for more countries to follow suit.
The closures come as global entertainment events from E3 to Series Mania have been cancelled today, and shortly major soccer matches are also expected to be shut down.
Source: Deadline
